Polyglot Data Science: Why and How to Combine R and Python
summary
Combining R and Python solves concrete problems like using an algorithm only available in an R package or embedding R analysis in a Python ETL pipeline; practical options shown include rpy2 and reticulate for tight integration, Arrow for zero‑copy sharing, Quarto and Positron for workflows, Unix pipes or a save‑and‑load pattern for loose coupling. Cautionary numbers: one pipeline consumed 700 GB RAM and took two days twice a year until a full Polars rewrite to Python reduced cost and made it production‑feasible.
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chapters (12)
- 0:00Introduction
- 0:24Why combine R and Python
- 1:52Mindset for polyglot data science
- 2:56R and Python as tools
- 3:39rpy2 for visualization
- 5:05Annoy for saving and loading
- 7:15UNIX pipes foundation
- 8:40Performance issues caution
- 10:35Polars for efficiency
- 11:59reticulate and Arrow in R
- 12:45When to embrace polyglot
- 13:49Q&A








